4.4.

4 Test (TST): Swift and Defoe Test

English 12 Name:
Date:

1. Short-response prompt (15 points)

Read the following passage from Chapter 4 of The Life and Adventures of Robinson
Crusoe, in which Crusoe describes how he removes items from the foundered ship:

. . .[P]reparing the twelfth time to go on board, I found the wind

began to rise. However, at low water, I went on board, and though
I thought I had rummaged the cabin so effectually, as that
nothing more could be found, yet I discovered a locker with
drawers in it, in one of which I found two or three razors, and one
pair of large scissors, with some ten or a dozen of good knives
and forks; in another I found about thirty-six pounds value in
money, some European coin, some Brazil, some pieces of eight,
some gold, and some silver.

I smiled to myself at the sight of this money. "O drug!" said I

aloud, "what art thou good for? Thou art not worth to me, no, not
the taking off the ground; one of those knives is worth all this
heap: I have no manner of use for thee; e'en remain where thou
art, and go to the bottom, as a creature whose life is not worth
saving."

In the passage, Crusoe compares money to a drug. Explain some ways in which
money was like a drug to Crusoe before being shipwrecked. Then, analyze the tone
of the passage, and explain how the comparison helps create that tone. Support
your response with specific details from the passage.

Crusoe found money as a drug before becoming shipwrecked because to him

because he was attached to money as it would do so much for him, though it was
also addictive to him similar to drug where you continuously need more and more.
Though once he finds the money in the passage he is disgusted with it because of
what it has done to many people around him and himself at one point, he calls it “as
a creature whose life is not worth saving” and even says it was not good for anything
but dragging people in and ruining their lives. The wording creates almost a dark
tone as Crusoe uses language and phrasing such as my quotation above that
sounds as though he genuinely hates money.

2. Short-response prompt (15 points)

Read the following passage from Chapter 16 of The Life and Adventures of Robinson
Crusoe, in which Crusoe reflects on his relationship to the island and its inhabitants:

My island was now peopled, and I thought myself very rich in

subjects; and it was a merry reflection, which I frequently made,
how like a king I looked. First of all, the whole country was my
own property, so that I had an undoubted right of dominion.
Secondly, my people were perfectly subjected—I was absolutely
lord and lawgiver—they all owed their lives to me, and were ready
to lay down their lives, if there had been occasion for it, for me. It
was remarkable, too, I had but three subjects, and they were of
three different religions—my man Friday was a Protestant, his
father was a Pagan and a cannibal, and the Spaniard was a
Papist. However, I allowed liberty of conscience throughout my
dominions.

Explain Defoe's point of view on colonialism in the passage. Then analyze how the
scene could be interpreted as satire to express that point of view. Be sure to use
specific details from the passage in your response.

Defoe’s view on colonialism in this passage of Crusoe as acceptance towards

colonialism as he seems to lean more on the side of slavery and colonizing those
who were not as such as him, “They all owed their lives to me, and were ready to lay
down their lives..” His wording almost makes it seem as if Defoe believes that slaves
should be grateful to their masters for taking away their liberty and freedom, though
this is the satire in this passage as Defoe makes a mockery out of the view point
despite holding onto this value himself.
3. Short-response prompt (15 points)
Read the following passage from Jonathan Swift's essay "A Modest Proposal":

I can think of no one objection that will possibly be raised against

this proposal, unless it . . . be . . . that the number of people will
be thereby much lessened in the kingdom. This I freely own, and
'twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I
desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this
one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was,
is, or I think ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to
me of other expedients: Of taxing our absentees at five shillings
a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor household furniture, except
what is of our own growth and manufacture: . . . Of curing the
expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our
women: Of introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and
temperance: Of learning to love our country . . . Of teaching
landlords to have at least one degree of mercy towards their
tenants. Lastly, of putting a spirit of honesty, industry, and skill
into our shop-keepers . . . .

What point does Swift want to make in the passage, and does he use satire
effectively to make that point? Write a short argument to answer these questions. Be
careful to include a clear claim and to respond to at least one counterclaim. Develop
your argument with specific details from the passage.

Swift wants to make the point in his writing that Ireland had many economic issues
as he talks on the extreme taxes the folks have to pay and the endless prices in food
and rent. He does use a tad bit of satire as he almost makes fun of the land lords
and their proud ways of boasting on their charge of rent. You could say this is him
just addressing the topic though he clearly does not agree with the landlord’s actions
and boastings, but rather he makes fun of them for such things.
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4.4.4 Test (TST): Swift and Defoe